Product Overview: Frndly TV
Website: try.frndlytv.com
Cost: Basic $7.99/mo Classic $9.99/mo Premium $11.99/mo
Entertainment Add-ons: Hallmark+ $5.99/mo
Regional Sports fee: Frndly TV does not offer any Regional Sports options
Launching: Frndly TV was founded by Bassil El-Khatib, Andy Karofsky, Michael McKenna and Mike McClain. The company was launched on October 1, 2019.
Looking for a streaming service that won’t break the bank and still gives you all your go-to channels? Frndly TV might just be what you need. This budget-friendly streaming service packs a punch with a solid lineup of channels, including all the Hallmark stations and A+E Networks channels like Lifetime and The History Channel. This platform would be nearly perfect for a person that had a lot of extracurricular activities outside the home.
Why choose Frndly TV? It’s designed for folks who want solid entertainment without the hefty price tag or commitment. No need to lock yourself into long-term contracts or deal with complicated cancellation processes here—everything about Frndly TV is straightforward and easy.
It’s great for those who value simplicity and affordability. With Frndly TV, you can enjoy a hassle-free TV experience that focuses on your favorite channels without all the extras you might not need. Whether you’re a die-hard Hallmark movie fan or just love watching classic Lifetime shows, Frndly TV has got you covered. Step into a world of endless binge-watching without the financial guilt!
Pricing Plans and Flexibility
Frndly TV comes with three subscription options that cater to different needs and budgets: Basic, Classic, and Premium. The Basic plan, priced at just $7.99 per month, is ideal for those looking for a no-frills experience. It offers standard definition streaming but comes without DVR capabilities. So, if you’re okay with standard quality and don’t mind watching live broadcasts as they air, this might be for you. Just a bit too rigid for me.
If you prefer a bit more flexibility, the Classic plan at $9.99 per month steps things up. This plan includes high-definition streaming, a 3-month DVR storage, and allows multiple streams at once. Perfect for households where more than one person wants to watch different shows simultaneously or if you like saving your favorite episodes to catch up later.
For those wanting the full package, the Premium plan costs $11.99 per month. It offers everything in the Classic plan but with extended DVR storage of up to 9 months. This is ideal if you tend to accumulate recordings or want the freedom to binge-watch your saved shows at your own pace. Twelve dollars, just splurge and get the top tier. What is there not to like.
What’s really convenient about Frndly TV is its flexibility. There are no long-term commitments, and canceling is a breeze. Plus, new customers get a 7-day free trial to explore what the service offers without any financial risk. It’s an easy way to see if Frndly TV aligns with your viewing habits before committing to a subscription.
Channel Selection
Frndly TV offers a curated selection of over 40 channels focusing on entertainment and family-friendly content. You’ll have access to all the Hallmark channels, so those feel-good movies and original series are always within easy reach. Plus, the inclusion of A+E Networks channels like Lifetime and The History Channel means more variety in your programming.
However, Frndly TV isn’t a comprehensive cable replacement. You won’t find live sports, news, or local channels here. If you’re used to channels like TBS, TNT, or USA Network, you’ll miss them on this platform. This might narrow Frndly’s appeal to those who don’t prioritize sports and news in their viewing lineup.
Compared to other streaming services like Philo at $28 per month or heavyweights like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, Frndly TV’s channel selection is more limited. These alternatives offer broader channel ranges but at higher price points. Those looking for a richer mix of sports, news, and general entertainment might find these services more suitable.
User feedback shows that while some miss the additional channels, many appreciate the focused offering, especially if Hallmark and Lifetime provide your old reliable brand of shows. It’s a matter of knowing what you want from your streaming service and matching it with what Frndly TV provides.
Cloud DVR and Viewing Flexibility
Frndly TV’s Cloud DVR feature is a standout for those opting for the Classic or Premium plans. Who doesn’t love recording their favorite shows and watching them at their own pace? With unlimited DVR storage, you won’t need to worry about running out of space. The Classic plan gives you 3 months to catch up on your saved content, while the Premium plan extends this to a generous 9 months. As I have said before, “watch your shows on your time, not the network’s time!”
What sets Frndly TV apart is its 72-Hour Look Back feature, letting you catch shows that aired within the past 72 hours without needing to pre-record them. It’s like having a time-traveling remote for your TV—missed an episode? No problem, just scroll back and watch. This is such a cool thing for a small streaming service, and it does set them apart from their larger counterparts.
In terms of viewing flexibility, Frndly TV delivers. It’s compatible with a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming gadgets like Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV, along with tablets, phones, and web browsers. So, whether you’re at home, chilling on your couch, or on the go, you can take your entertainment wherever you want. Just ensure you have a steady internet connection: 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 1.5 Mbps for standard definition will keep your viewing smooth.
Final Thoughts and User Experiences
Frndly TV excels at providing a budget-friendly streaming option ideal for fans of Hallmark, Lifetime, and A+E Networks. If these channels are your jam, Frndly TV is a no-brainer. Its pricing plans are affordable, offering flexibility without tying you down to long-term commitments or complex cancellation processes.
However, if sports, news, and a broader channel lineup are non-negotiables for you, then Frndly TV might fall short. Services like Philo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV come with steeper prices but a more comprehensive channel selection. It’s all about what fits your viewing preferences and budget. But, at such a low cost, Frndly TV can be paired with other services to complete what you want in television viewing.
User testimonials highlight the service’s reliability, simplicity, and overall satisfaction, especially from those who appreciate the Hallmark and Lifetime offerings. Customers love the DVR and 72-Hour Look Back features, which offer convenient ways to keep up with missed episodes.
On a personal note, Frndly TV has garnered a loyal following who find it to be their top streaming service, especially among those less interested in sports and news channels. Whether you’re a budget-conscious viewer or someone seeking specific entertainment channels, Frndly TV offers a compelling package worth trying out, especially with the 7-day free trial.
Remember, the key to choosing the right streaming service lies in knowing what you want to watch and matching it to what the service offers. Frndly TV is a fantastic choice for many, but only you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
As always, if there are any questions or comments, leave them in the comments section below.
All the best,
Mark Piper
Hey Mark,
Your Frndly TV review caught my eye, but I’ve got to play devil’s advocate here! While you’re praising the $11.99 Premium plan as being a “splurge-worthy” option, I think we need to address the elephant in the room. It’s 2024, and we’re talking about a service essentially serving TV leftovers at microwave dinner prices.
Sure, the price point is attractive, but isn’t this just another example of the streaming industry fragmenting content and making us piece together multiple subscriptions? You mentioned pairing it with other services, but doesn’t that defeat the whole “budget-friendly” proposition?
Here’s what makes me scratch my head: The 72-Hour Look Back feature you’re excited about is a band-aid for the Basic plan’s missing DVR functionality. In an age where on-demand viewing is the norm, shouldn’t this be standard across all tiers?
That said, I do see the appeal for Hallmark devotees and Lifetime binge-watchers. But I’m curious, given your experience with various streaming services, would you honestly recommend this as a standalone service to anyone under 50 who isn’t obsessed with holiday movies?
Let’s get real: Is Frndly TV truly solving a problem, or is it just another player in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape that’s slowly becoming as expensive as the cable packages we all fled from?
Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Maybe I’m being too harsh, but sometimes we need to look past the friendly pricing to see the bigger picture.
All the Best,
Eric
Hi Eric,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and well-articulated comment! You’ve raised some excellent points that warrant a deeper discussion, so let me address them one by one.
On the “streaming fragmentation” issue:
You’re absolutely right that the streaming industry is increasingly fragmented, with content divided across various platforms. Frndly TV’s appeal lies in its niche focus on family-friendly and nostalgic content, particularly for viewers who gravitate toward channels like Hallmark, Lifetime, or UPtv. For people who prioritize these channels, Frndly can replace other services rather than add to their pile of subscriptions. That said, I completely understand how it can feel like one more piece in a complex puzzle for broader audiences.
About the “budget-friendly” proposition:
Pairing Frndly TV with other services does seem counterintuitive to its budget-friendly pitch at first glance. However, it depends on how someone uses it. For instance, if you’re already a Prime Video subscriber but miss live TV or holiday marathons, Frndly fills that gap at a low cost without requiring a comprehensive cable or live TV package. For some, it may even serve as an alternative to higher-priced live TV options like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.
72-Hour Look Back and DVR functionality:
You hit the nail on the head here. While I appreciate the Look Back feature for its convenience, I agree that DVR functionality should be standard, especially in 2024. It’s a fair critique, and one I hope the platform addresses in the future to stay competitive. Still, the feature does provide a level of accessibility for casual viewers who may not be as invested in DVR use.
Would I recommend Frndly as a standalone service?
For viewers under 50, it would largely depend on their interests. Frndly is laser-focused on its target demographic—fans of wholesome, feel-good programming—and I wouldn’t position it as a standalone solution for anyone outside that niche. For a broader audience, it works best as a supplement, not a replacement.
Is Frndly TV solving a problem?
I think Frndly TV solves a specific problem for a specific audience: those looking for an affordable way to access family-friendly, live, and seasonal programming without extra frills. It’s not trying to replace Netflix or Hulu; instead, it serves a niche need, which, to its credit, it does well. Whether that’s enough to justify its place in a crowded market is ultimately up to the consumer.
There isn’t a clear domination of live TV streaming services. They all have their pros and cons. I believe the market that Frndly TV is after, is people over 50. They are pouring on the “let’s all be happy,” TV shows with Hallmark and the reruns we have all seen hundreds of times. That is what they are after. To me, another group that could be a pretty good fit would be someone that has a lot of extracurricular activities, that doesn’t watch a lot of TV but still wants something other than what the four networks offer at a low price.
Eric, I genuinely appreciate your devil’s advocate perspective! It’s important to ask whether services like this are simplifying entertainment or contributing to the problem they claim to solve. Your points add depth to the conversation, and I’ll definitely be incorporating these thoughts into future reviews.
Thanks again, and I’d love to hear more of your take as the streaming landscape continues to evolve!
All the best,
Mark